Minor Moves 6/21: Dillon Gee placed on outright waivers, Red Sox claim Erik Kratz

Minor Moves & Notes 6/21:

Mets place Dillon Gee on outright waivers

Gee, 29, has posted a 5.90 ERA and 4.39 FIP in 39.2 innings with the Mets this season. New York had been hoping to trade Gee, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin, but the club designated him for assignment last week after being unable to complete a deal.

When he was designated, Gee was due $3.24 million of his $5.3 million salary. As a result of his large contract, teams were hesitant to add him to a major league rotation. The Mets will likely option him to Triple-A assuming he is not claimed between now and Tuesday.

In addition to struggling at times this season, Gee was out with a groin strain and spent two months on the disabled list last season with a strained muscle. Gee has the option to refuse the assignment and become a free agent but he would then not receive the $3.1 million he is due.

Athletics add Jake Smolinski

Smolinski was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Friday and was claimed by Oakland, according to Texas Public Relations spokesman John Blake.

Smolinski, 26, batted .133/.270/.200 before being designated but has had a notable amount of success in Triple-A. He is batting .422 with 14 RBIs through 12 Triple-A contests and thrived (.349 average through 24 games) in his first major league stint with the Rangers.

Red Sox claim Erik Kratz

Kansas City designated Kratz for assignment and the veteran catcher was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox, according to NESN's Ricky Doyle.

Kratz, 35, batted .214/.274/464 through 16 games with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate. The Red Sox now have catching depth with Blake Swihart battling a sprained left foot. Kratz was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month but was designated before he could be activated.